Exploring Experiences of Workplace Violence and Attempts to Address Violence Among Mental Health Nurses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction Workplace violence has emerged as a global phenomenon requiring immediate attention. The nursing profession is primarily affected, and the unique vulnerability of nurses to workplace violence is particularly evident in the field of mental health nursing. Aims This study explores the experiences of mental health nurses with work-related violence and attempts to combat this violence in the context of inpatient mental health facilities in Saudi Arabia. Methods This research comprises a qualitative exploratory study consisting of semistructured interviews with 16 participants using open-ended questions. The participants are psychiatric/mental health nurses with experience in the field, so this methodological approach facilitates a detailed investigation of their encounters with workplace violence. Results This study reveals that nurses experience violence in accordance with two main themes and subthemes: experiences of workplace violence, the influence of violence on work settings, and efforts required to combat violence. Data show that these participants consider of prime importance access to training to increase safety through knowledge, improved communication, and protective skills, along with adequate staffing and a safe built environment. Conclusion The research findings confirm the urgency of addressing the needs of mental health nurses in inpatient psychiatric hospitals. Policymakers in the healthcare field must be aware of the inpatient psychiatric care climate and the need for support from those who staff these areas of practice. Training in specialized knowledge and skills is required to ensure a safe work environment as well as appropriate staffing levels, and a safe built environment. These conditions may be required to recruit and retain mental health nurses capable of providing best-practice care.

From incivility to outcomes: tracing the effects of nursing incivility on nurse well-being, patient engagement, and health outcomes

“…However, contrary to some studies [ 8 , 77 ], our mediation analysis reveals only a moderate total effect size (β = -0.05) of nursing incivility on patient outcomes. This discrepancy could reflect cultural specificities within Saudi hospitals that shape inter-action dynamics differently than their western counterparts.…”

Current status and needs of in-service training for psychiatric nurses in 24 provinces of China: a cross-sectional survey

“…A technical analysis of violence and aggression incidents in psychiatric inpatient care in Sweden was also conducted to understand the causes of violence and attitude of the staff, among other aspects. Qualitative studies ( Niu et al, 2019 ) and investigative studies ( Niu et al, 2019 ; Alyousef and Alhamidi, 2022 ; Alamri et al, 2023 ; Bekelepi and Martin, 2023 ) on psychiatric nurses’ attitudes toward and experiences of workplace violence have also been conducted in China, providing a reference for preventing workplace violence. However, few studies have been conducted on violence prevention intervention strategies for psychiatric nurses.…”

Violence against healthcare workers in the emergency departments of Al-Madinah hospitals, Saudi Arabia

“…Workplace violence (WPV) is an important global phenomenon, and healthcare is one of the most violent services. [ 1 , 2 ] It is defined as “incidents where staff are abused, threatened, or assaulted in circumstances related to their work, including commuting to and from work, involving an explicit or implicit challenge to their safety, well-being, or health.” It includes physical assault, aggression, sexual harassment, bullying, and verbal abuse or threats. [ 3 ] WPV is a growing concern and represents a significant threat to healthcare workers (HCWs),[ 4 , 5 ] who have a 16-fold higher risk of experiencing WPV than any other nonhealthcare service workers.…”

“…[ 3 ] WPV is a growing concern and represents a significant threat to healthcare workers (HCWs),[ 4 , 5 ] who have a 16-fold higher risk of experiencing WPV than any other nonhealthcare service workers. [ 1 , 2 , 6 ] WPV has serious adverse effects on the HCWs, work productivity, patient safety, and the quality of healthcare provided. [ 7 , 8 ] WPV can cause HCWs to make medication and other care-delivery errors that are likely to contribute to negative patient outcomes.…”